Weekend Getaway

Matt had to be back in California this past week to take part two of the national board exams for optometry. Before moving from California, Jennie, Trenda and I had talked about trying to arrange so that us wives could come, too, when the guys had to return for boards. For awhile, I didn't really think it would work out. Well, it became a reality!! For the first time EVER, Matt and I were away from our kids overnight!!! A BIG thanks to my sis, Becky and her husband Taylor for taking in our kiddles for a few days!

Matt drove to California on Tuesday. He took the first part of his exam on Wednesday, then that evening, I flew into California. The Barneys and us met up for a bit before heading to our hotel rooms for the evening (we stayed at the same hotel).

The next morning, the guys had to be up and out early for day two of their exam. Trenda met up with Jennie and I and we went shopping at South Coast Plaza for a few hours. I *almost* left empty handed, but at the last second, we stopped in babyGap and I couldn't pass up a few deals for my boys! ;) We picked up a late lunch, which practically almost ruined our dinner since our men finished with their exam much earlier than we anticipated!!! We managed to hold off on dinner by strolling WalMart and the Brea Mall with the Barneys. Then we all met up with the Poulters at Lucille's BBQ for dinner - YUM! After dinner, we met up in the Barneys room and played Cities & Knights of Catan. We barely made it through the game before Jennie passed out from tiredness! Haha!

Friday was D-day - DISNEYLAND!! We hadn't been to Disneyland for about a year or so and it was great to be back! It really is a magical place! The Poulters had their kids, so the Barneys and us just hung out all day, enjoying the freedom to ride the adult rides! We started off at California Adventure. There is this rafting ride, the Grizzly River Run, that you are bound to end up soaking wet on. We were debating whether or not to go, but ended up riding it TWICE! The first time, Jennie and I cinched up our jacket hoods in a meager attempt to help stay dry, but alas, it wasn't to be. All four of us ended up pretty wet, but we had some really good laughs during our adventure!

This picture doesn't do our soaked-ness justice!!Drying off

I'm beginning to think that as you get older, thrill rides take a larger toll on your body. After the California Screamin' roller coaster, Mulholland Madness, the Grizzly River Run (twice), the Tower of Terror, and Soarin' Over California, I was feeling a bit woozy and nauseous!! We watched the Aladdin musical spectacular, which was fabulous. It's a live production of the Aladdin story on stage. Too bad we never took our kids to watch it while we still had passes! They would have LOVED it!

After lunch, we headed back over to Disneyland. We hit Splash Mountain (more wetness! poor Jennie got it right in the face!), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones and Buzz Lightyear AstroBlasters. Weston had the brilliant idea that the losers of the Buzz ride would buy the winners a little treat! Thanks Weston! ;)
That was it for day at Disney. We headed out to Downtown Disney to do some shopping, then said goodbye to the Barneys. We decided to drive home that night, which was rather difficult since we were both so dang exhausted. I'm just happy we made it home in one piece thanks to Matt's perseverance! Here are some other pictures from our day-

'L' is for Lindsay!

Should've worn my sunglasses!The giganto Christmas tree

We had an awesome time being away together as a couple, but it was even more fun to be able to spend some time with our good friends!! Jennie and I already discussed that this kinda thing needs to become a tradition! Disneyland was fun to do just as a couple, but I really can't wait to take our kids back there!! Something about seeing Disney through the eyes of your child is amazing!